As General Manager of San Isabel Electric Association, I have the unique privilege of seeing firsthand what it takes to keep the lights on and knowing all of the people involved in serving our members. In April, we take time to pause and recognize the brave folks who make keeping your power on possible every single day — our lineworkers.
When severe weather strikes and outages sweep across our service area, our lineworkers often work through the night — sometimes 16 hours straight — battling difficult conditions to restore power as safely and efficiently as possible. In those moments, they may only see their loved ones for a few minutes between grabbing a quick meal and getting a few hours of rest, often missing family dinners, celebrations, or milestones at home. Their readiness to respond at any hour is no accident; it’s the result of rigorous training, deep experience, and a shared dedication to serving their communities when they’re needed most.
What makes lineworkers especially remarkable is that they aren’t just restoring power to a system, they are restoring power to their own communities. They live here. They raise their families here. They understand that electricity is more than a convenience; it’s essential to daily life, to local businesses, to schools, farms, and emergency services. Powering the places we call home is personal to lineworkers.
Hiring and developing local talent is a priority at SIEA. We’re committed to showing our youngest members that meaningful, lifelong careers are available right here close to home. Through programs like Story Behind the Switch, we introduce elementary students to how electricity works and the people who make it possible. Our traveling workforce development program brings hands-on demonstrations to high schools across our service area, giving students a real-world look at utility careers and the vital role they can play in powering their communities.
We understand any time the lights go out can be frustrating, bringing everyday life to a halt. We are incredibly grateful to our members for your patience and encouragement during these times. Linework is demanding, physical, and at times, the conditions can be unforgiving. Our crews approach each job with a focus on safety and teamwork. They take pride in their craft and in the trust our members place in them.
On April 18, we will celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day, but one day is hardly enough. Every day, we thank lineworkers for their service and dedication, along with the employees behind the scenes supporting the work in the field.
To our lineworkers: Thank you for your readiness, your perseverance, and your unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. We are proud to stand behind you, and grateful for all that you do.
Ryan Elarton is the General Manager at San Isabel Electric Association.
